Stephen Kelly on Fridays match ...

"The games begin again on Friday with a difficult away trip to face an in form Limerick.

"We are under no illusions as to the size of the task that faces us this Friday. Limerick have put together a good run of results of late and have climbed the table gaining some good scalps along the way. We did beat them earlier in the season at Golden Island Park but it was a hard fought win. Against the run of play we were ahead at half time but thankfully we gave a good second half performance to take the points.

"The squad have had an enforced break from matches and all the training in the world cannot reflect a match workout. However the lads have worked very hard and are all set for Friday's game. Steven Gavin is definitely out with a hamstring injury. Michael Collins (back) and John Flanagan (thigh) are other doubts. Andy Noonan and Adrian Carberry are back in contention after returning from their respective honeymoons.

"The players, committee, supporters of Athlone and football people in general have had a tough week with the passing of our friend and team mate Shane Brennan. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who took the time to call, e-mail or attend the funeral. It was a fitting tribute to a gentleman, a joker and an excellent footballer. A sad loss of one so young but a huge influence on all those lucky enough to have been touched by the infectious personality of Shane. May he rest in Peace."

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